I never thought I’d leave law behind — but fashion had been calling me silently for years. Taking that leap of faith and joining the JD Institute was initially terrifying. I didn’t know what lay ahead. But those two years? Unforgettable.

In the beginning, everything felt slow and relaxed. Classes were fun, the energy was creative, but I wasn’t sure how much I was learning. It wasn’t until the JD Design Awards rolled around that everything suddenly clicked.

When the theme “Future Fiction” was announced, I panicked. I had so many ideas before, and suddenly, none of them fit. I even questioned whether I should participate at all. But overnight, something changed. My mentors told me, “Go back. Come back with one solid idea.” And I did—sustainability.

I dove deep into creating a collection using only reclaimed fabrics, with a core message around water conservation. I hunted for materials across Shivajinagar, reached out to industries, and made sure every piece aligned with my values.

The real game-changer? My mentors. They weren’t just teachers; they were challengers, supporters, and sometimes the ones who said “no” when I needed to hear it most.

Facing the jury felt like stepping into the real world. Suddenly, I wasn’t just a stylist — I was a strategist, a storyteller, a seller. JD didn’t just prepare me to design; it prepared me to handle rejection, embrace growth, and build resilience.